THE GATEKEEPER

Chapter 22

“You leave yourself wide open whenever you rely on reflexes to protect yourself,” Zero commented as he walked over and stood above Drake. “You have to see everything going on in your surroundings; not just the first attack you see. Damraetbe.”

Drake felt something splatter on his cheek, and the pain began to instantly melt away. He opened his eyes to see his arm had straightened back to the way it should be. He sat up and flexed it a few times before getting back on his feet. He had a sudden idea.

“Let’s try this again,” Zero said as he got back into his stance.

“Hold on a sec, Zero,” Drake said. “Can you give me a second? I want to try something.”

Zero stopped bouncing and lowered his arms somewhat as he looked at Drake. “What is it?”

“Just give me about thirty seconds,” Drake told him. “Once that time is up, feel free to attack me however you see fit, even if I don’t look like I’m ready.”

Zero exchanged a nervous glance with Damrabe, who also had a similar expression on his face. D